Donald Trump will be joined by two of his rivals at the event he's throwing in place of attending Thursday's GOP debate.Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum will be joining Trump at the veterans benefit at Drake University.Aides to both candidates say they will be traveling to the Trump event after participating in the undercard debate for candidates whose poll numbers aren't high enough to qualify for the main stage.Huckabee says on CNN the move should not be seen as an endorsement of Trump's candidacy.He says he didn't have anything else to do at the time and is "delighted to join with Donald Trump in an effort to salute veterans."ATTENDANCE:Drake released a statement on the event this afternoon:"Drake University has been made aware that tonight’s event in Sheslow Auditorium has been significantly over-ticketed by the Trump campaign."Fire code limits occupancy of Sheslow Auditorium to approximately 700 persons. Therefore, based on our understanding of the number of tickets distributed, only a small percentage of ticket holders will be admitted into the auditorium."Please be advised of the venue’s limited seating as you plan your evening."

DES MOINES, Iowa —

Donald Trump will be joined by two of his rivals at the event he's throwing in place of attending Thursday's GOP debate.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum will be joining Trump at the veterans benefit at Drake University.

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Aides to both candidates say they will be traveling to the Trump event after participating in the undercard debate for candidates whose poll numbers aren't high enough to qualify for the main stage.

Huckabee says on CNN the move should not be seen as an endorsement of Trump's candidacy.

He says he didn't have anything else to do at the time and is "delighted to join with Donald Trump in an effort to salute veterans."

ATTENDANCE:

Drake released a statement on the event this afternoon:

"Drake University has been made aware that tonight’s event in Sheslow Auditorium has been significantly over-ticketed by the Trump campaign.

"Fire code limits occupancy of Sheslow Auditorium to approximately 700 persons. Therefore, based on our understanding of the number of tickets distributed, only a small percentage of ticket holders will be admitted into the auditorium.

"Please be advised of the venue’s limited seating as you plan your evening."